This is a typical example of what happens at most red lights here in Jeddah. The car I am in is the first car stopped in our lane at a red light. You can see that there are two vehicles sitting in the intersection that appear like they are stopped at a red light, waiting to make a left turn. The problem is that each of these cars came from the far right lane, crossing over several lanes of stopped cars to get into their position. Many times, several more cars will do the exact same thing. So even though we may have come to a stop at the red light first, there are several other cars that are much more important than we obviously are that must take their rightful place ahead of us. Saudi Arabia has one of the very highest vehicle accident rates in the world, and an equally dismal record in traffic deaths. Most people here do not use seatbelts, nor do they buckle in children nor do they place babies in infant car seats. Babies ride on the laps of maids, moms, or even driving dads. Traffic safety here is practically non-existent. To the government’s credit, I have recently noticed a number of extremely gruesome television public service announcements aimed at promoting traffic safety and curbing hazardous driving habits on the roads.
About This Blog, and About Me: Susie of Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is KSA's 2nd largest city and is located on its west coast, right on the Red Sea. I moved here in 2007 with my Saudi hubby. This journal reflects the things that I see here, life through my eyes, my lens.
Please be sure to also visit my other blog, SUSIE OF ARABIA (formerly SUSIE'S BIG ADVENTURE), which relates my experiences, thoughts, and observations about living in Saudi Arabia.
Join our Facebook group:
Susie of Arabia/BlueAbaya.
EMAIL me at :
susieofarabia@gmail.comArchives
Pingback: Blogs aus und um Saudi-Arabien -- cratoo.de
Excellent photo-illustration and text, Susie! I have just done a post on the topic myself.
Saudi Takes the Gold! In MVA’s, RTA’s, Car Accidents/ Injuries/ Fatalities
This is bad but it could be worse. I just heard on the radio of a murder in one of our Arab villages. It was part of an on-going blood feud between two clans / chamulas. It started several decades ago when two drivers quarreled over who had the right of way at an intersection.
Wow, Dina – that is just horrible. Road rage is one thing, but that is just ridiculous.
Yes, it is so hard for you and me to understand this concept of “honor” within clans that often justifies “honor killings.”